The Night Alive

This production by playwright Conor McPherson is the strangely sweet and savage story of Tommy (Scott Divine), a Dublin street hustler who tries to find his way through each day with his simple-minded-yet-deeply-philosophical pal Doc (Bert Andersson), and his reluctant landlord uncle (Don Hayden). Upending Tommy’s already-in-upheaval universe is Aimee (Amber Lucito), a scrappy prostitute whom Tommy rescues from her violent boyfriend (Ryan Snyder).The storyline has some frustrating ambiguities, and in this production the over-the-top physical violence feels gratuitous—a little toning down would make the moments even more evil and menacing. Th, F, Sa, Su 8pm; $12-$22. Through 2/11. Big Idea Theatre, 1616 Del Paso Boulevard; (916) 960-3036; www.bigideatheatre.org. P.R.